Marlins sign Brendan Donnelly

The Marlins added former Anaheim fan favorite Brendan Donnelly to their bullpen today.

Donnelly, a right-hander, signed as a free agent and will take the spot of Chris Leroux, who was placed on the 15-day DL with right shoulder inflammation.
Donnelly turned 38 on Saturday, making him the second most famous July 4th birthday in baseball behind George Steinbrenner. He became a cult hero in Anaheim, where he played from 2002-06, because of his trademark goggles and intensity with which he pitches. Donnelly made it to the big leagues after bouncing around in the minors for 10 seasons. He then became the team’s main set up man for most of the early 20002.

Donnelly’s career numbers: 26-9 with a 3.12 ERA in 319 games all in relief.

In Anaheim he was 23-8 with a 2.87 ERA. He pitched in 63 games in ’03 with a 1.58 ERA, 79 strikeouts and 24 walks. Donnelly was an integral part of the Angels 2002 championship team, seeing action in five World Series games and recording the win in Game 6. He did not allow a run in 7.2 innings.

Donnelly spent a season in Boston, undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2007. He played in Cleveland last season and had an 8.56 ERA in 15 games. The Rangers released Donnelly during spring training this year before he signed with the Astros. He spent two months in Class AAA but opted to be released after pitching Tuesday knowing the Astros had not room for him in the big league pen.

He is available to pitch today.

Donnelly has pitched for 19 teams, including two independents, and for 10 organizations.